Samoan girls have been urged to pursue careers in meteorology, hydrology and other science-related fields.

The Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) hosted an interactive programme on Wednesday at the IMAGINE Science Centre in Malifa to mark the International Day of Women and Girls in Science.

The event brought together 62 students from four secondary schools. St Mary’s College, Papauta Girls College, Maluafou College and Le Amosa College for hands-on activities showcasing tools and concepts used in weather and climate science.

The programme was organised by SPREP’s Climate Science and Information Division in partnership with the IMAGINE Science Centre Samoa. It celebrated Pacific women’s leadership in meteorology, hydrology and climate services (HydroMet) while aiming to inspire the next generation to consider science careers.

Speaking to the Samoa Observer, Patricia Mallam, Knowledge Broker for the Climate Services and Related Applications Programme at SPREP, said the region cannot afford to miss out on the talent of young women.

“Here on the island, you don’t get to see many women in the meteorology field,” Mallam said. “Some see it as something hard, and others still think it is a man’s field. That is why we want to encourage girls to take science.”

She emphasised the urgency of increasing female participation in science, particularly in climate-related fields critical to Pacific nations.

“Every cyclone, every flood and every drought reminds us that science saves lives,” Mallam said. “We need Pacific women and girls at the centre of that work. We need smart, courageous women leading in hydro-meteorology, climate, fisheries and disaster response, not watching from the sidelines, but designing the forecasts, making the calls and shaping the decisions that keep our families and villages safe.”

The event aligned with the 2026 global theme, “From Vision to Impact: Redefining STEM by Closing the Gender Gap.”

During the programme, students met women from SPREP’s Climate Science and Information Team and heard first-hand accounts of their study pathways and careers. The girls also took part in interactive science activities led by the IMAGINE Science Centre Samoa and were allowed to ask questions about subject choices, scholarships and job experiences in HydroMet and related fields.

SPREP said early exposure to science is essential to changing perceptions and building confidence among young women, particularly in disciplines that strengthen early warning systems, climate resilience and disaster preparedness across Pacific island nations.

International Day of Women and Girls in Science is a United Nations observance that recognises the contributions of women in science, promotes equal participation in STEM careers and highlights the importance of closing the gender gap in scientific fields.